A Different Kind of Holiday Season
Trade snow boots for sandals and sleigh bells for ocean breezes. A Fort Lauderdale Christmas offers everything you love about the holidays, like lights, music, and community spirit, without the winter chill. Along the coast, palm trees twinkle, boats glow with festive color, and warm nights stretch long past sunset.
This year, there’s a new reason to celebrate. The Garden Hotel & Resort welcomes its first guests just in time for the holidays. Designed for travelers who crave comfort, wellness and ease, The Garden Hotel & Resort offers a calm home base minutes from the beach and downtown festivities. Here, the holidays feel effortless: more sunshine, less stress, and every stay rooted in comfort.
Why Visit Fort Lauderdale in December
December in Fort Lauderdale is all about balance: sunshine by day, sparkle by night. With average highs in the mid-70s°F, it’s the perfect time to explore the outdoors while still embracing the cozy spirit of the season. Locals decorate balconies and palm trees with lights, waterfront restaurants fill with music, and every evening feels like golden hour.
It’s easy to see why visitors flock south for the holidays in Fort Lauderdale. You can bike to the beach in the morning, join a light-filled boat parade after dark, and still be back at your hotel in time for a quiet nightcap under the stars. Whether you’re escaping the cold or seeking a new kind of festive tradition, Fort Lauderdale’s warmth, both literal and local, makes the season shine.
Festive Events & Holiday Highlights
From riverside light shows to classic parades, in December, Fort Lauderdale transforms into a city alive with celebration. Here are the can’t-miss moments to plan your getaway around.
Light Up Lauderdale — November 6, 2025
Each year, the Riverwalk and downtown come alive as Fort Lauderdale flips the switch on the season. Light Up Lauderdale kicks off the festivities with glowing displays along the water, live holiday music, kids’ crafts, and a visit from Santa himself. It’s a free, family-friendly evening that captures the warmth and community spirit that defines a Fort Lauderdale Christmas. Bring a coffee, stroll the lights, and let the season begin.
Light Up the Galt — November 12, 2025
Up on the Galt Ocean Mile, the season begins with an evening full of neighborhood warmth and coastal holiday charm. Light Up the Galt brings live music, a pop-up gift market, kids’ crafts, gingerbread photo moments, holiday characters, and a tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 PM. As the sun sets, the street fills with locals, and visitors enjoying food, music, and the glow of the season. It’s lively, welcoming, and perfectly Fort Lauderdale. Full of festive energy with ocean air just steps away, it’s a great pick for groups, families, or anyone who loves a joyful, walkable holiday evening.
Light Up the Beach — November 19, 2025
Over at Las Olas Oceanside Park, this beachfront celebration takes the glow to the sand. Watch as the lights flicker to life against the backdrop of the Atlantic, while the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds fill the air with holiday music. There’s a kids’ zone, local food stalls, and plenty of space to enjoy the evening breeze. It’s festive cheer meets seaside relaxation. Plus, it’s completely free.
Christmas on Las Olas — December 2, 2025
Few things feel more Fort Lauderdale than this downtown tradition. For one night, Las Olas Boulevard turns into a winter wonderland complete with twinkling lights, local vendors, live performances, and even a snow mountain for the kids. You’ll find “Santa’s Village,” food stalls, and cozy spots for evening drinks or treats.
Guests staying at The Garden Hotel & Resort can reach Las Olas in minutes, by EV bike, electric car, or a short drive, making it an easy night out full of festive energy.
Christmas by the Sea — December 3, 2025
A holiday evening with a coastal twist, Christmas By the Sea brings together local makers, seaside-inspired gifts, kid-friendly activities, and a tree lighting that marks the start of the season. Families can write letters to Santa, browse craft stalls, and enjoy the gentle excitement that comes with gathering by the water at dusk. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and full of small-town holiday charm, making this event a sweet way to slow down and soak in the magic of December in Fort Lauderdale.
Winterfest Boat Parade — December 13, 2025
No holiday in Fort Lauderdale is complete without the Winterfest Boat Parade, the city’s most iconic event. More than 100 decorated boats, from small sailboats to grand yachts, cruise 12 miles of the Intracoastal Waterway in a glowing procession of color and light.
Good viewing spots include the Las Olas Intracoastal Bridge, waterfront restaurants, and park areas along the route. It’s free to attend and always draws a crowd, so make sure to arrive early and bring your camera. The Fort Lauderdale Christmas Boat Parade is where the city’s coastal charm truly shines.
Holiday Lights Cruises — December 4 – January 4
For a more peaceful night on the water, take a Holiday Lights Cruise. Local charters and the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi offer evening rides through the canals, past glittering homes and illuminated boats. It’s a quiet, romantic way to take in the city’s festive glow, best paired with warm breezes and a cool drink in hand.
Victorian Christmas Tours at Stranahan House — December
Step back in time at Stranahan House, Fort Lauderdale’s oldest home, dressed in vintage holiday décor. Candlelight, carols, and costumed guides create a nostalgic holiday experience unlike anywhere else. It’s an intimate, cozy counterpoint to the city’s modern celebrations. This event is perfect for families or history buffs.
Santa on the Beach — December 8, 2025
For a dose of pure joy, look for Santa and his elves strolling the shoreline, handing out candy, and posing for photos. This playful local favorite brings holiday magic right to the sand, and it’s as fun for adults as it is for kids.
Each of these events offers something a little different, from bustling parades to quiet coastal moments. Together, they paint the full picture of a Fort Lauderdale Christmas: warm, welcoming, and wonderfully bright.
Fort Lauderdale’s Weather & Local Atmosphere
Winter in Fort Lauderdale feels like a season of light. Days are long and golden, with soft breezes off the ocean and just enough cool in the evenings to make a sweater feel right. It’s the kind of weather that invites you outside, to breakfast on a terrace, wander through markets, or linger by the water as the sun dips low.
Locals embrace this time of year. Street performers play holiday tunes downtown, restaurants open their patios, and the air carries a relaxed, festive rhythm. For visitors, December offers the perfect balance: beach mornings, event-filled evenings, and a city that glows without ever feeling rushed.
Here, winter isn’t something to endure; it’s something to enjoy.
Why Stay at The Garden Hotel & Resort
Tucked just minutes from Fort Lauderdale Beach and Las Olas Boulevard, The Garden Hotel & Resort offers a peaceful retreat in the middle of it all. Every detail of The Garden Hotel & Resort’s design, from its natural materials to its open-air courtyards, has been thoughtfully designed to make guests feel grounded and at ease.
You’ll find three outdoor pools, EV bike rentals, and electric bike service for exploring nearby events with ease. Rooms are modern and calming, with soft textures, garden views, and everything you need to unwind between festivities.
After a day of lights and laughter, settle into an evening at The Greenhouse Café for a fresh meal or sip a seasonal cocktail at The Terrace. Twinkle lights reflect off the palm leaves, conversations flow easily, and you’ll remember that the best kind of holiday comfort doesn’t need to be complicated.
At The Garden Hotel & Resort, the holidays feel effortless, and comfort comes naturally.
Practical Tips & Booking Advice
Planning your holiday getaway? Here’s what to know before you go:
- Book early. December fills up quickly. Reserve your stay in October or November for the best rates.
- Getting here. The Garden is just 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
- Getting around. Use EV bikes or the hotel’s electric car service for easy access to events and attractions. Water taxis and rideshares are also widely available.
- Pack light. Bring breathable clothes, a sweater for evenings, comfortable shoes, and sun protection.
- Check event details. Times and locations can shift, so confirm dates on official sites before heading out.
- Travel sustainably. The Garden makes it easy to explore without excess, from EV options to walkable routes and energy-conscious design.
Simple steps, smoother travel, and a December you’ll actually enjoy.
End the Year Surrounded by Sunshine and Ease
Festive lights, golden weather, and moments that flow at your own pace; that’s what a Fort Lauderdale Christmas is all about.
Book your stay and experience the holidays in full bloom, where every stay takes root.
